What Foods Should I Avoid After a Crown?

Published: Dec 19, 2018 | By: Richard Caven

Having a crown placed is a very routine dental procedure that's designed to restore a tooth's shape to its original size, shape and strength. There are various scenarios that warrant crowns, such as a tooth becoming weak over time, to cover a chipped or broken tooth, or for a cosmetic improvement. However, while crowns are routine, they're not unlike other dental processes in that there's a recovery involved that patients need to be mindful of.

When it comes to crowns, part of this process involves avoiding certain foods. This can be especially challenging during the holiday season, when it's common to indulge in sweets and other delicacies to celebrate the season.

With this being said, we thought it would be fitting to take a more in-depth look at what foods you should avoid with your new crown.

Foods to Avoid

Chewy and sticky food: Generally speaking, anything chewy or sticky is a major no-no if you've just had a crown placed. This can make the holiday season a tad more challenging, as caramel chocolates and candies are often consumed throughout the season. Chewy, sticky foods can potentially attach to and pull down on the crown.

Hard foods: Foods that are hard should also be avoided in the days following crown placement, as they can impact the structural integrity of the crown when bitten into. This means you may have to skip eating peppermint bark, candy canes and raw veggies around the holiday party snack table this year.

In general, anything sticky, chewy or hard is something that you don't just want to avoid during the holiday season, but for good if you want to ensure your crown lasts. There are some tips and tricks to keep in mind if you just can't help but consume any of these foods.

Tips for Eating with a Crown

Even if you do avoid the hard, chewy and sticky foods, here are some tips worth sharing for eating with a crown to minimize the strain that you place on it.

Eat on the non-crown side of the mouth: Crowns are like anything in that the less wear and tear you place on it, the longer they're likely to last. That said, it's always wise to chew food on the non-crown side of your mouth. While this is a good tip to follow at all times, it's especially critical in the days and weeks following crown placement. That's because the cement needs time to set.

Stick to good oral health habits: Having a crown doesn't mean you should ignore brushing and flossing in the area. Remember, crowns are essentially capping existing teeth, so it's very important to keep the gum line clean so that no issues occur.

See your dentist: Last but not least, be sure to see your dentist at least twice per year for a professional cleaning and checkup. Your dentist will inspect the crown and make sure that it's holding up well in your mouth. Even if there's some damage to the crown, it may be correctable if it's caught soon enough. Seeing your dentist once every six months is always recommended.

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